I, Goto Maki, will stop all entertainment activities starting January of next year.

13 years ago, during the summer, not knowing the world, as a daughter of a working-class family, I brazenly took the opportunity to audition for Morning Musume. And I became Gomaki; while I experienced many brilliant stages, I ran about in a daze.

I am truly thankful for all my fans who came to support and root for me in both clear weather and rain, for the staff and others who always assisted me, and for my family as well as fellow entertainers I have met.

In winter of last year, I lost my mother, who was a strong source of support; this led me to think about many things.

Looking back on the path that I had walked, I thought about how I wanted to live in the future and found it different from the path that I had chosen up until now.

I feel extremely thankful for everyone’s existence.

However, as it is, I cannot fill up a giant void within myself.

Up until now, I have always been living not for myself, but for someone else.

I have come to the conclusion that this time, that “me” should not be living for someone else, no matter who they are, but for myself.

That “me” is not Gomaki; instead, it is connected to my desire to change into a normal Goto Maki.

While I think about what I can do, I want to challenge myself to do whatever it is I think up.

I have agonized about this for a long time, but I have decided to stop my feet here.

For those who have supported me as singer Goto Maki, I will use all of my energy to run through the remaining half of the year.

In July, a new track will be released for distribution; in the summer, I will go to various places to sing for a-nation; in the fall, Avex, to which I have transferred to, will release my first album.

And in December, just like nearly four years ago, I will hold a solo concert.

While I wish that you will understand my selfish determination, in the period until my hiatus, even though I am just one person, I want my gratitude to reach everyone and I will do my best to open up all of my power.

Doozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

2011 June

Goto Maki”

The time I had known Hello Project, Goto Maki was no longer part of the agency so I don't have that much idea about her aside from being one of the most popular member in MM. But reading her message, it sounded so sincere and I'm happy for her that finally, she found a reason to live her life for herself and not for others. This must be hard for her fans and even harder for herself to leave the spotlight *for awhile*. But whatever it is that she wishes to have, I hope that she can find that place where her dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true. So I got 2 words for Maki and her fans "Be Happy".